From Teacher to Education Entrepreneur: Emma's Journey and Insights

In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, Claire Riley, co-founder of Classroom Secrets, interviews Emma, a former part-time primary school teacher who transitioned into running 'Is It Time to Play?', an educational resource website specialising in play-based learning for early years teachers.

Emma shares her journey of leaving teaching in 2022 due to burnout and the challenge of juggling multiple responsibilities. She discusses the critical personal development she undertook, including hiring a business coach, which helped her gain clarity and formulate a growth plan for her business.

Emma emphasises the importance of investing in oneself, the challenges of balancing time and financial commitments, and the value of seeking help from experts to manage various aspects of an education business.

This episode provides valuable insights for education business owners and those considering a similar career shift.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Journey

00:33 Welcome to the Education Business Podcast

01:31 Emma's Transition from Teaching to Business 

04:16 The Growth and Impact of 'Is It Time to Play?'

05:52 Personal Development and Business Growth 

11:25 The Importance of Investing in Yourself 

21:07 Delegation and Expert Support

23:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

 

All About Emma:

Founder of Is it Time to Play? Play based planning and teaching resources for EYFS and KS1. 

Website: isittimetoplay.co.uk
Instagram: @isittimetoplay
TikTok: @isittimetoplay
Facebook: @isittimetoplay

From Teacher to Education Entrepreneur: Emma's Journey and Insights
In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, Claire Riley, co-founder of Classroom Secrets, interviews Emma, a former part-time primary school teacher who transitioned into running 'Is It Time to Play?', an educational resource website specialising in play-based learning for early years teachers.
Emma shares her journey of leaving teaching in 2022 due to burnout and the challenge of juggling multiple responsibilities. She discusses the critical personal development she undertook, including hiring a business coach, which helped her gain clarity and formulate a growth plan for her business.
Emma emphasises the importance of investing in oneself, the challenges of balancing time and financial commitments, and the value of seeking help from experts to manage various aspects of an education business.
This episode provides valuable insights for education business owners and those considering a similar career shift.
00:00 Introduction and Personal Journey
00:33 Welcome to the Education Business Podcast
01:31 Emma's Transition from Teaching to Business&nbsp;
04:16 The Growth and Impact of 'Is It Time to Play?'
05:52 Personal Development and Business Growth&nbsp;
11:25 The Importance of Investing in Yourself&nbsp;
21:07 Delegation and Expert Support
23:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
&nbsp;
All About Emma:
Founder of Is it Time to Play? Play based planning and teaching resources for EYFS and KS1.&nbsp;
Website: isittimetoplay.co.uk Instagram: @isittimetoplay TikTok: @isittimetoplay Facebook: @isittimetoplay

The Education Business Podcast is for educational consultants, small education-based business owners, Edtech providers and workshop leaders focused on providing education services to schools, as well as for teachers transitioning to freelancing with an entrepreneurial business idea. Growing and scaling a business that provides a service to schools and education requires a different skillset and inside knowledge to many other entrepreneurial ventures. In this podcast Claire Riley, CEO of Classroom Secrets and host of The Teachers' Podcast, shares what it takes to market and pitch your services to this sector. Find out exactly what headteachers and teachers are looking for, and why building a personal brand matters in your marketing and how you can grow your education business.

The Education Business Podcast is for educational consultants, small education-based business owners, Edtech providers and workshop leaders focused on providing education services to schools, as well as for teachers transitioning to freelancing with an entrepreneurial business idea. Growing and scaling a business that provides a service to schools and education requires a different skillset and inside knowledge to many other entrepreneurial ventures. In this podcast Claire Riley, CEO of Classroom Secrets and host of The Teachers' Podcast, shares what it takes to market and pitch your services to this sector. Find out exactly what headteachers and teachers are looking for, and why building a personal brand matters in your marketing and how you can grow your education business.

The Education Business Podcast

Building a business in education can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone.

Hosted by Claire Riley, founder of Classroom Secrets and passionate advocate for helping educators turn their expertise into thriving businesses, this podcast brings you honest conversations, practical strategies, and the behind-the-scenes lessons from those already making an impact in the education space.

Each episode dives into the realities of running and growing an education business—from building sustainable income streams and navigating challenges, to embracing innovation and scaling with purpose. You’ll hear inspiring stories from fellow entrepreneurs, expert insights, and Claire’s own experiences of successes and setbacks along the way.

Whether you’re an aspiring edupreneur just starting out or a seasoned business owner looking for fresh perspective, this podcast will give you the tools, clarity, and encouragement you need to grow with confidence.

Tune in weekly to discover how to make your education business thrive while staying true to your mission of making a difference.

Building a business in education can feel overwhelming&mdash;but you don&rsquo;t have to do it alone.
Hosted by Claire Riley, founder of Classroom Secrets and passionate advocate for helping educators turn their expertise into thriving businesses, this podcast brings you honest conversations, practical strategies, and the behind-the-scenes lessons from those already making an impact in the education space.
Each episode dives into the realities of running and growing an education business&mdash;from building sustainable income streams and navigating challenges, to embracing innovation and scaling with purpose. You&rsquo;ll hear inspiring stories from fellow entrepreneurs, expert insights, and Claire&rsquo;s own experiences of successes and setbacks along the way.
Whether you&rsquo;re an aspiring edupreneur just starting out or a seasoned business owner looking for fresh perspective, this podcast will give you the tools, clarity, and encouragement you need to grow with confidence.
Tune in weekly to discover how to make your education business thrive while staying true to your mission of making a difference.